Middle English Dictionary Entry
dē̆spǒusen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | dē̆spǒusen v. |
| Etymology | A blend of espǒusen (OF espouser) & L dē-spondēre. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To pledge troth to (a woman); also, marry; despoused to, betrothed to (a man); (b) fig. to pledge (sb. to Christ).
Associated quotations
a
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)7.203 : Ly wiþ me, for to day þow despousedest and weddest me [L me desponsasti]. I am þy god Venus.
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)7463 : Despousyd she was to a yung man..And whan þe day fyxyd of hyr maryage Was come [etc.].
- (1449) Metham AC (Gar 141)43 : Thyse princys..thei despousyd wyuys off the lynage Of Daryus.
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)84.6 (v.2:p.97) : This damicelle Flauia was despousid but nat ful maried to a consuls sone clepid Aurelian.
b
- a1425(a1400) Paul.Epist.(Corp-C 32)2 Cor.11.2 : I hafe despousyd [L despondi] ȝou to one man, to gife ȝoure maydenhod chaast to crist.
- c1450 Capgr.St.Kath.(Arun 396)3.1028 : She desireth þat þou shalt now wyth a ryng Despouse hir to thi-self for euere-more.